Getting Ready With Olivia Dean For The Miu Miu SS25 Show In Paris
To say the rise of Olivia Dean has been anything short of meteoric would be a cruel understatement. The 25-year-old north east Londoner’s first big 'break' came in her teens, singing backup vocals with the electronic band Rudimental. But it wasn't until the release of her Mercury Prize-nominated debut album, Messy, in June 2023 that the neo-soul singer was truly able to carve her own space out in the music industry – and beyond.
Now, with a Glastonbury Pyramid stage performance and Love Supreme headline slot under her very well-styled belt, Dean’s sonic impact has reverberated far beyond muddy festival fields, firmly embedding itself in the hearts and minds of her adoring fans. Those lucky enough to have witnessed Dean’s soul-soothing sounds live, whether on a festival stage, during one of three sold-out shows this year at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo, or in the courtyard of Somerset House at twilight, will know the gravity of her musical reach; but also how brilliantly she puts on a show – and ultimately, an outfit.
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Her stylist, Simone Beyene (who also works with Mabel, her sister Tyson and their mother Neneh Cherry) is largely to thank for Dean’s visual impact. From the custom Chopova Lowena crystal-encrusted T-shirt – featuring a nostalgic portrait of her grandmother Carmen, the inspiration behind one of her most cherished songs – worn at Glastonbury, to the purple puff-ball Molly Goddard gown she floated in at Somerset House last summer, Dean’s distinctive style has become as much a part of her identity as her music.
Her striking beauty and candid relatability have captured the attention of fashion's most illustrious Maisons, including Chanel, Saint Laurent, and more recently Sabato De Sarno’s new vision for Gucci. On the closing day of Paris Fashion Week, Dean made her first appearance at a Miu Miu SS25 show. She caught up with ELLE UK to talk style, the stage and her Seventies inspirations.
On Her Look For The Show
‘I really enjoyed the layering of the two shirts and the amazing embellished skirt. I loved it with the classic Miu Miu boxer poking out. This is my first Miu Miu show, which is crazy because I've had so many, amazing moments with them. We did that custom pleated skirt for All Points East [in 2023] and the custom dress for Love Supreme this summer. This is my first time doing a show with Miu Miu, so I think I just wanted to bring all those elements together, but still keep it classic. I added a personal touch to the bag with a Hello Kitty charm I got from Japan.’
On The Miu Miu Woman
‘Miu Miu makes the most sense for my own personal style, on and off stage. I love how they play with masculine and feminine dressing. I feel like it's a really comfortable space for me and I just love what the brand stands for.’
On The Styling Process
‘For me and Simone it's always about trying to do something slightly different to what we’ve done before. It's important to have fun and play. If you're going to a show, you need to stand out and do something a bit elevated and interesting. That being said it’s also really important to be comfortable, so you feel like yourself too.’
On Her Style Evolution
‘Looking back at some of the outfits I'm like, "Wow, I'm so different now." The first time I played Love Supreme [in 2022], I would have never worn heels. But now the idea of not wearing heels on stage is crazy to me. I've really grown into myself and become more adventurous. On stage, I love the glamour, and I love the drama, whereas offstage I'm very casual. What you're wearing on stage can literally dictate how that show goes. It's about how you feel in it, how you move, how the clothes move with you and how they photograph, it's so important.’
On Her Off-Duty Style
‘A day-to-day Olivia Dean look is honestly just a rinse and repeat of the same stuff over and over again. I like to wear super baggy trousers or big loose skirts, with a white vest and a little cardi, and then, a bomber jacket thrown over the top. I take a long time to get ready in the morning, so when I’ve figured out a look I just like to repeat it.’
On Her Style Inspirations
‘For a long time now, Diana Ross has been my main inspiration. I love the Seventies as an era for music and fashion, and I feel like she represents both so well. She's just so feminine, powerful, fun and glamorous. I've also been really enjoying Bianca Jagger on Pinterest. I love her hair and her energy.’
On Her Favourite Fashion Designers
‘Miuccia Prada makes the most timeless clothes, they're fun, and she's constantly reinventing that. I got to meet her today, which was quite fabulous. The new designers I’m into are Chopova Lowena, I loved collaborating with them on the look for Glastonbury, and Standing Ground, the crushed pink velvet dress I wore to The Mercury Prize [in 2023] was iconic. I also love everything Grace Wales Bonner does.’
On Her Plans For The Evening
‘I'm heading back to London to just try and have some downtime. This is the last thing I'm doing for a little while, and I'm gonna make another album and sort of hibernate for a minute. It's been a really crazy year. I think I need to process and take stock.’
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